U.S. Secret Service

The Question:

How long after leaving office do former presidents get protection from the U.S. Secret Service?

The Answer:

In 1965, Congress authorized the Secret Service to protect former presidents and their spouses for their lifetime, unless they decline the protection. Congress, however, limited the protection of former presidents and their spouses (elected after January 1, 1997) to 10 years after leaving office. President Clinton, who was elected in 1996, is the last president to receive lifelong protection from the Secret Service.